The blue smoke factor is well known for RAV4 however, I am not loosing motor oil. The coolant is however very dirty (brown to black color). The other day I was driving during traffic, stop and go my car starts to shake at 5MPH and stalls. I was able to start up the car okay and continue driving. Is it a head gasket problem or is it something else.

Thanks.

Joan

My daughter just bought a 1998 Rav 4 and has this happen too. No one has responded to your plea for help.
Her car does just one puff at startup in the morning and her oil is full after one month of driving. If it was an old car I'd expect it.
If this is a known problem would somebdy please let us know?

Depending if the car has blue smoke or not. Check it's coolant as well, it maybe just condensation in your engine. Just make sure to change oil every 3k and have your daughter check the engine oil level every week or so to make sure it's not eating your oil. If it is, then simply pour more oil into it. Also, switching to synthetic motor oil will help as well. Best of luck.